Spa Owner Pleads In Silicone Injection Case

McALLEN (AP) — A South Texas beauty spa owner has pleaded guilty at the start of her trial in federal court in McAllen to injecting a liquid silicone substance into clients at her salon.

Elva Navarro pleaded guilty Monday to one count of receiving through interstate commerce an adulterated device with the intent to defraud or deceive. Navarro was indicted in March and could face up to three years in prison when sentenced in August.

Navarro ran Bella Face and Body Spa in McAllen where prosecutors said she injected clients seeking cosmetic procedures. Investigators said one client in 2012 spent more than two weeks in the hospital after receiving injections of liquid silicone.

Navarro’s lawyer, Terry Canales, said an indictment of Navarro on state charges is expected.